The India I Saw: A Glimpse into the Life of S. Ambujammal

S. Ambujammal (1899–1981) was a remarkable woman who transformed her privileged yet troubled beginnings into a life of selfless service and nationalistic fervor. A staunch Gandhian and committed social reformer, she became a key figure in India’s freedom movement and later in social welfare, particularly for women. Her biography, Naan Kanda Bharatham, translated into English as The India I Saw, presents her profound journey through India’s socio-political landscape. Her story is a testament to personal resilience, quiet rebellion, and deep commitment to Gandhi’s ideals.

Key Highlights of S. Ambujammal’s Life

Background and Lineage

• Born into a prestigious Iyengar family in Madras.
• Granddaughter of Sir V. Bhashyam Iyengar and daughter of Sriman Srinivasa Iyengar, a renowned legal figure.
• Raised in Amjad Baugh on Luz Church Road, a household of privilege but emotional neglect.

Early Struggles

• Considered unwanted due to her gender and fragile health.
• Endured an unhappy marriage with Desikachari; faced family turmoil, including her husband’s mental breakdown and a drifting child.

Turning Point – Influence of Mahatma Gandhi

• Met Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba in 1915; this encounter transformed her life.
• Gandhi inspired her to engage in the national movement and discover her purpose.

Role in the Freedom Movement

• Active participation in the freedom struggle — picketing shops, organizing protests, and facing imprisonment.
• Defied her father in a non-violent Gandhian spirit.

Literary and Linguistic Contributions

• Acquired fluency in Hindi and translated works of writers like Munshi Premchand into Tamil.
• Her translation of Seva Sadan became M.S. Subbulakshmi’s debut film.
• Translated Tulsi Ramayana into Tamil at Gandhi’s request.

Post-Independence Contributions

• Founded the Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam (SGN) in 1948 to serve women and the poor.
• SGN still operates quietly and effectively from her residence in Alwarpet, Chennai.
• Ashes from Gandhi’s pyre are buried under a Tulasi holder at SGN’s entrance.

Leadership Roles

• Chairperson of the Madras Social Welfare Board.
• Key organizer of the 1955 Avadi Congress Session.

Legacy

• Streets in Alwarpet named after her and her father.
• She remains the most well-remembered figure from her distinguished family line.